Bed sores, also known as pressure sores or decubitis ulcers, are a breakdown and ulceration of tissue due to a combination of the weight of the body on the surface of the skin and the friction of a resistant surface such as a bed. Areas where bony prominences are less padded by muscle and fat, such as the hip bones, tailbone and heels of the feet, are most susceptible to bed sores. Non-mobile patients are vulnerable to the formation pressure sores when left lying for long periods of time in the same prone position.

Review Date: 12/13/2001 12:00:00 AM Reviewed By:A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

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